Recruiting

Testing a new medication for constipation in cystic fibrosis

Plain-English translation of NCT06810167 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Cystic Fibrosis research guide →

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether , a medication recently approved by the FDA for constipation problems, can help people with cystic fibrosis who experience constipation. The study will track how well the medication works by measuring bowel movement frequency and asking participants about their symptoms. This is a 4-week treatment study with about 25 participants.

People with cystic fibrosis often struggle with severe constipation that doesn't respond well to standard treatments. This study aims to see if this new medication, which works through a different mechanism than existing options, could offer relief for this common and uncomfortable problem.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (confirmed by a sweat test or genetic testing)
you have experienced constipation symptoms for at least 3 months, with problems starting at least 6 months ago
you experience at least 2 of the following symptoms in at least 25% of bowel movements: straining, hard stools, feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bowels, feeling blocked, needing to manually help yourself, or having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
you are willing to avoid making major changes to your diet or lifestyle during the study period
you are able to stop your current constipation medications 2 weeks before starting the study drug

You likely don't qualify if…

you have taken antibiotics to treat an infection within the 4 weeks before the study (though stable azithromycin for lung health is allowed)
you cannot stop taking your regular constipation medications 2 weeks before starting the study
you have had a bowel obstruction or blockage within the 4 weeks before the study
you have been hospitalized within the 4 weeks before the study
you have previously taken tenapanor

What participation looks like

You will take one 50 mg tablet of the medication twice daily for 4 weeks. During this time, you'll keep a daily diary tracking your bowel movements and symptoms, and you'll complete three short questionnaires about how constipation is affecting your life and your comfort. The study takes place at a single center (Massachusetts General Hospital) and involves close monitoring of how well the treatment is working for you.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts